"Even if you are just lying still on your back soaking up the rays, your feet are still vulnerable," says American Podiatric Medical Association member Jane Andersen, DPM. "You can seriously sunburn your feet and no matter how upscale your hotel, athlete's foot can lurk in all public pool areas."

OUR BIGGEST SUMMER TIPS:

Limit walking barefoot, as it exposes feet to sunburn, as well as plantar warts, athlete's foot, ringworm, and other infections and also increases risk of injury to your feet.

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Drinking water will not only help with overall health, but will also minimize any foot swelling caused by the heat.

Remember to apply sunscreen all over your feet, especially the tops and fronts of ankles, and don’t forget to reapply after you’ve been in the water.

Wear shoes or flip-flops around the pool, to the beach, in the locker room, and even on the carpeting or in the bathroom of your hotel room to prevent injuries and limit the likelihood of contracting any bacterial infections.

Along with the warmer weather and sunnier skies, people are coming out from their winter hibernation mode and getting more active again. With more runners on park trails and neighborhood sidewalks, and spring and summer sports starting back up again, foot health awareness is more important now than at any other time all year!

PLAY IT SAFE WITH TODAY'S PODIATRIST

PLAYING SPORTS IS A GREAT WAY TO EXERCISE, SPEND TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY, AND DEVELOP TEAM-BUILDING SKILLS. BUT DID YOU KNOW THAT ANKLE SPRAINS AND BREAKS ARE AMONG THE MOST COMMON SPORTS INJURIES FOR BOTH ADULTS AND CHILDREN?

"For many of us, sports are an integral part of our lives. To get the most out of your workout or from playing a favorite sport, it’s important to choose the right footwear for the type of exercise you’ll engage in,” says Phillip Ward, DPM, a podiatrist and president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “People should be aware that sports, which require a substantial amount of running, turning, and contact, can translate to injuries. If you or someone you know sustains a foot or ankle-related injury while playing sports, it’s important to see a podiatrist right away.”

Unfortunately, there are many myths surrounding foot and ankle injuries, which may cause a patient to delay seeking treatment.

A 2014 ESPN POLL SHOWED THAT 88 PERCENT OF PARENTS HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THEIR CHILDREN’S RISK OF INJURY WHILE PLAYING YOUTH SPORTS.

A 2014 APMA SURVEY SHOWED THAT 1 IN 4 ADULTS FEELS UNABLE TO EXERCISE DUE TO FOOT PAIN, AND 39 PERCENT OF ADULTS SAID THEY WOULD EXERCISE MORE IF THEIR FEET DIDN’T HURT

HERE ARE THE TOP FIVE MYTHS TO STOP BELIEVING NOW:

“IT CAN’T BE BROKEN BECAUSE I CAN MOVE IT.”

False.

You can walk with certain kinds of fractures. Common examples include breaks in the smaller, outer bone of the lower leg, small chip fractures of the foot or ankle bones, and the often-neglected fracture of the toe.

“IF YOU BREAK A TOE, IMMEDIATE CARE ISN’T NECESSARY.”

False.

A toe fracture needs prompt attention. X-rays will reveal if it is a simple, displaced fracture or an angulated break. Your podiatrist can develop the right treatment plan once he or she has identified the type of break.

“IF YOU HAVE A FOOT OR ANKLE INJURY, SOAK IT IN HOT WATER IMMEDIATELY.”

False.

Heat promotes blood flow and can cause greater swelling, which can lead to more pain. An ice bag wrapped in a towel is the ideal temporary treatment before you see your podiatrist.

“APPLYING AN ELASTIC BANDAGE TO A SEVERELY SPRAINED ANKLE IS ADEQUATE TREATMENT.”

False.

Ankle sprains often mean torn or severely overstretched ligaments, and they should receive immediate care.

“THE TERMS ‘FRACTURE,’ ‘BREAK,’ AND ‘CRACK’ ARE ALL DIFFERENT.”

False.

All of those words are appropriate for describing a broken bone.

REMEMBER, A DELAY IN TREATMENT CAN CAUSE TOE DEFORMITIES AND OTHER PODIATRIC PROBLEMS.